The Air Force and prime contractor Boeing [BA] on Monday got over one of their final hurdles before a critical program decision when the KC-46 aerial refueling tanker successfully refueled a C-17.
An initial refueling attempt with a F-16 earlier this year was successful, but higher than expected axial loads on the boom were detected, according to a service statement. These loads were again present during the initial attempt with the C-17 in February and necessitated installation of hydraulic pressure relief valves in the boom.
This week’s successful tests show the boom axial loads hardware fix, designed by Boeing engineers, is performing as expected to alleviate the loads. The KC-46 also refueled a F-16 on July 8.
The final Milestone C flight test, slated for this month, is to transfer fuel through the fixed boom to an A-10. Once this successfully takes place, the Air Force will ask Pentagon acquisition czar Frank Kendall to award low-rate initial production (LRIP) lots one and two, totaling 19 KC-46 aircraft.
